The Ultimate Autumn/Winter Accessory? A Bonnet

By Charlie Colville

1 month ago

This Scandi-approved fashion trend is having a major moment this season


Knitwear season is upon us – and while plenty of us will be pulling on jumpers, scarves and gloves, others are opting for a slightly different kind of knitted accessory this season. Bonnets are back, and they’re shaping up to be the chicest add-on for autumn/winter.

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This Autumn/Winter Staple Is Everywhere At Fashion Week

The Scandi girls do winter fashion – and they do it well. Dressed in leopard print coats, chunky-heeled boots and oversized knits, they took to the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week in relaxed chic. And while we’ve already had the ballet flat boom, the scrunchie shift and the joy jacket craze – this season, the street style pack has set its sights on bonnets.

The fashion pack are always hot on a trend revival, and this vintage accessory has been waiting in the wings for several seasons now. And with Copenhagen (and Britain) about to plummet into the depths of autumn/winter, it makes the perfect setting for the street debut of this season’s biggest knitwear trend (besides wrist warmers, of course).

While bonnets may conjure up images of dainty knitwear and, well, babies, don’t be fooled. This trend is rooted in chicness; think cream and chocolate hues (did someone say mocha mousse?), scarf-like ties, chunky cable knits, pattern clashing and contrast edging. And while traditional bonnets consist of the standard head covering and strings tied under the chin, newer versions blend more seamlessly into triangle scarves and balaclavas. In short: this is knitwear with an edge.

How To Wear A Bonnet This Season

Take a leaf out of the Scandi style set’s book: fluffy textures and calming neutrals (or stripes and colour pops), pulled over a long coat and knitted jumper. Tied at the front, or pulled over balaclava-style, the bonnet acts as a focal point to the winter get-up – drawing the eye to the face with a contrasting colour, a playful detail or trailing laces. Below, we break down some of our favourite bonnet looks (and share our tips on how to replicate them).

Woman wearing bonnet

Soft Chocolate

The best way to elevate this season’s chicest accessory? Give it the mocha mousse treatment. Soft chocolate hues have been a staple all year, and as we head back into autumn/winter we can expect to see them really shine. Colour drenching works best with the trend – seek out complementary coffee, caramel and mahogany hues – with the bonnet perfectly crowning the look.


Woman wearing bonnet

Creamy Neutrals

Another win for minimalists: bonnets will also serve you well when cast in neutrals. Team up with your favourite jeans and jacket, and you have a cosy casual fit with plenty of style. (Quick elevation tip: look for knitted bonnets with a bit of texture to add some interest to your look.)


Woman wearing multi-coloured bonnet

Colour Pop

The weather might be gloomy – but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. A bonnet is the perfect way to introduce a playful colour or print, and to bring the colour palette of your outfit more tightly together. A super fun way to tap into the trend this season.


Simple Knit

A simple, no frills knit also does the job – as evidenced by this pared back street style fit. Tied with a small bow at the chin, this black bonnet makes a quiet statement (and works in harmony with the rest of the outfit by colour matching the wearer’s bag and boots).


Woman stood in front of orange van

Hood Back

An often overlooked bonus of the bonnet is its versatility. When the time calls for it, feel free to push your bonnet back and let it pool at your shoulders – either as a hood, or a pseudo scarf. This look lends itself well to casual styling, and means you don’t have to carry it in hand or shove it messily into your bag when you don’t want to wear it.



The Edit: Bonnets

Woman wearing grey bonnet

Damson Madder

Bonnet With Tie Detail, £40

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Crochet bonnet

Hensel from Basel

Sweetie Bonnet, £24

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Navy bonnet

Kiltane

Knitted Cashmere Bonnet, £65

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Black balaclava

GANNI

Black Soft Wool Balaclava, £145

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Red balaclava

Lock & Co.

Ribbed Hood, £195

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Blue bonnet

Albaray

Blue Tie Neck Hat, £40

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